| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/K01889/01 |
| Title: |
THE PREPARATION OF POLYESTERS USING LIPASE ENZYMES |
| Principal Investigator: |
O'Hagan, Professor D |
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| Department: |
Chemistry |
| Organisation: |
Durham, University of |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 September 1994 |
Ends: |
31 August 1996 |
Value (£): |
77,122
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Materials Synthesis & Growth |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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We have recently discovered a new reaction with the C cylindracea lipase where the C10 and C11 -hydroxyacids are polymerised in hexane to generate polyesters with molecular weights up to 35,000 daltons (DP 200). The enzyme displays specificity for these chain lengths. Our studies have revealed two phases of assembly. (a) A rapid oligomer assembly followed by (b) a slow oligomer condensation to generate higher polymer. The grant aims to address the fundamental aspects of the lipase catalysed polymerisation. (a) What are the mechanisms of polymer assembly during the rapid and slow stages? A strategy employing regiospecifically deuterium labelled monomers is presented to probe this; (b) can enantiometrically pure polymers be prepared? Two candidate monomers are presented; (c) can enantiomeric block co-polymers be prepared? (d) what controls molecular weight and how can the molecular weight be increased? Factors such as solvents, temperature and enzymes will be investigated in a systematic way. The concept of preparing such bio-degradable polyesters with bio-degradable catalysts is clearly attractive technology, and the grant has been accepted as a Clean Technology application by the CTU of SERC.
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Key Findings |
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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